4 Ways to Geek Out on the Season’s Scariest Creatures

Wolves, spiders, and ravens, oh my! Learn all about these creatures (and more) at these Halloween-themed animal events.

The Animals of All Hallows Eve

On Saturday, October 20, as part of its ongoing WILD Family Nature Series, the city of Wheat Ridge hosts a Halloween-themed presentation examining October’s most iconic animals. During this hour-long event, a naturalist recounts stories that have earned certain animals notoriety for being creepy, spooky, or downright icky. Tales about toads and owls incorporate science and history, and a live tiger salamander (Colorado’s state amphibian) will be on site to dispel myths surrounding its fiery beginnings. Tickets are $5 per person; register in advance online. 6363 W. 35th Ave., Wheat Ridge. 303-231-1300

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Toxic Terrors

Through October 31, Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster celebrates the month of “Bugtober” by packing its facility with a handful of temporary “Toxic Terrors” exhibits. The interactive displays allow kids to get up-close—but not too personal—with a variety of toxic animals and plants that use chemicals such as venom and poison to ward off predators. Dive even deeper into the topic on Thursday, October 18, during a two-hour “Talking Toxic” session with Dr. Justin Schmidt, an entomologist who has been stung by 83 different species. 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster. 303-469-5441

Howl-O-Ween

For a howling good time, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center celebrates the season on Sunday, October 28, 4 to 6 p.m., with a themed “feeding tour.” After gathering around a bonfire, participants of all ages embark on an hour-long, educational tour past several enclosures housing rescued wolves, coyotes, and foxes. Along the way guides pause to feed wolves meat-filled pumpkins while sharing historical and present-day facts. The evening ends with a howl-back, when the crowd howls, and all the wolves howl back. Call to reserve a spot. 4729 Twin Rocks Rd., Divide. 719-687-9742

Coffee with a Corvid

The Audubon Society of Greater Denver partners with Denver Zoo for its annual “Coffee with a Corvid” event on Sunday, October 28, 9 to 11 a.m. Corvids, which include crows, ravens, and magpies, are an exceptionally intelligent group of birds that many associate with fall, scarecrows, pumpkins, and spooky stories. While parents sip sustainable coffee, young guests will hear legends involving corvids. Then they’ll learn some interesting facts about these so-called troublemakers—all in the company of a live, white-naped raven. Space is limited, so register in advance online. 11280 Waterton Rd., Littleton. 303-973-9530